FEATURE
Advocates Philippines
Remembering The Voice Of Truth: The Legacy Of Mike Enriquez In The Lens Of GMA News
Photo credit: GMA
In the world of Philippine radio and television, one name shone brighter than the rest – Miguel Castro Enriquez, more affectionately known as Mike Enriquez. On August 29, 2023, the airwaves grew quieter as this iconic figure bid farewell, just a few weeks shy of his 72nd birthday.
The news reverberated across the nation through an official statement from GMA Network, the home where Mike had left an indelible mark. The statement expressed deep sorrow at the passing of their beloved Kapuso, a man who had dedicated over five decades to serving the Filipino people through the airwaves.
Mike's journey began in the heart of Manila, in the historic district of Sta. Ana, in September 1951. He pursued Liberal Arts in Commerce at De La Salle University, a path that would intersect with his lifelong love affair with radio broadcasting. Even while completing his studies in the '60s, Mike had already stepped into the realm of radio as an announcer for Manila Broadcasting Company.
In a humble twist of fate, Mike's foray into radio came about almost accidentally. A chance visit to a classmate led him to fill in as an announcer, a role he would come to cherish. He once shared, "The adventure began in 1969, and today the adventure continues." This adventure led him to join GMA Network in 1995, solidifying his position as a Kapuso.
Mike's voice soon resonated as a pillar of GMA Integrated News, where he donned the hat of an anchor for the flagship newscast "24 Oras" and hosted the enduring public affairs program "Imbestigador." His expertise also guided him to leadership roles, including President of RGMA Network, Inc., and Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations at GMA Network.
Behind the stern facade of the tough broadcast journalist lay a devoted husband. For more than four decades, Mike and his wife, Lizabeth "Baby" Yumping, wrote their love story. The tale was so compelling that it even found a place in the romantic program "Wagas" in 2013. This personal dedication echoed in his professional life, where his values aligned with GMA's commitment to providing true service to the public.
Awards adorned Mike's illustrious career. He was not just a Filipino journalist but an international awardee, being the first Filipino to secure the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards. His team's documentary "Iraq: In the Navel of War" won the Silver Camera Award in the 2004 US Film and Video Festival, while "Imbestigador" clinched the same honor in the US International Film and Video Festival in 2011 for their documentary "Smuggled Pinoys."
The accolades weren't limited to documentaries, as the groundbreaking news program "24 Oras," anchored by Mike and fellow journalist Mel Tiangco, received recognition at the New York Festival.
In a courageous move, Mike shared his personal health battles with the world. He underwent a heart bypass operation in 2018 and later, in December 2021, disclosed his impending medical leave for a kidney transplant. A fighter in every sense, Mike's recovery journey from the transplant was not without its trials.
His message was clear: faith and humor were his allies.
The news reverberated across the nation through an official statement from GMA Network, the home where Mike had left an indelible mark. The statement expressed deep sorrow at the passing of their beloved Kapuso, a man who had dedicated over five decades to serving the Filipino people through the airwaves.
Mike's journey began in the heart of Manila, in the historic district of Sta. Ana, in September 1951. He pursued Liberal Arts in Commerce at De La Salle University, a path that would intersect with his lifelong love affair with radio broadcasting. Even while completing his studies in the '60s, Mike had already stepped into the realm of radio as an announcer for Manila Broadcasting Company.
In a humble twist of fate, Mike's foray into radio came about almost accidentally. A chance visit to a classmate led him to fill in as an announcer, a role he would come to cherish. He once shared, "The adventure began in 1969, and today the adventure continues." This adventure led him to join GMA Network in 1995, solidifying his position as a Kapuso.
Mike's voice soon resonated as a pillar of GMA Integrated News, where he donned the hat of an anchor for the flagship newscast "24 Oras" and hosted the enduring public affairs program "Imbestigador." His expertise also guided him to leadership roles, including President of RGMA Network, Inc., and Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations at GMA Network.
Behind the stern facade of the tough broadcast journalist lay a devoted husband. For more than four decades, Mike and his wife, Lizabeth "Baby" Yumping, wrote their love story. The tale was so compelling that it even found a place in the romantic program "Wagas" in 2013. This personal dedication echoed in his professional life, where his values aligned with GMA's commitment to providing true service to the public.
Awards adorned Mike's illustrious career. He was not just a Filipino journalist but an international awardee, being the first Filipino to secure the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards. His team's documentary "Iraq: In the Navel of War" won the Silver Camera Award in the 2004 US Film and Video Festival, while "Imbestigador" clinched the same honor in the US International Film and Video Festival in 2011 for their documentary "Smuggled Pinoys."
The accolades weren't limited to documentaries, as the groundbreaking news program "24 Oras," anchored by Mike and fellow journalist Mel Tiangco, received recognition at the New York Festival.
In a courageous move, Mike shared his personal health battles with the world. He underwent a heart bypass operation in 2018 and later, in December 2021, disclosed his impending medical leave for a kidney transplant. A fighter in every sense, Mike's recovery journey from the transplant was not without its trials.
His message was clear: faith and humor were his allies.
Aug 30, 2023
